Governor Hochul’s administration announced they will be distributing cash payments to thousands of migrants who do not qualify for traditional welfare services.
According to the New York Post, this financial assistance is part of the state’s Safety Net Assistance (SNA) program, which has broadened its eligibility criteria to encompass non-citizens awaiting legal asylum status decisions.
This development was communicated to social service agencies statewide via a low-profile notification from the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
Despite the OTDA’s reluctance to disclose the exact number of migrants benefiting from the expansion, it’s estimated that the vast majority, around 90%, of New York’s migrant population will not be affected by this adjustment.
However, with over 173,000 migrants having arrived in New York City since the spring of 2022, and assuming just 10% qualify for the SNA, the number of beneficiaries could surpass 17,000 in the city alone.
The federal government, responsible for financing the majority of cash welfare benefits, bars “asylum seekers” from accessing such assistance.
These benefits amount to $336 for a mother with two children and $252 for two adults, in addition to additional support for shelter and energy subsidies.
Anthony Farmer, a spokesperson for the OTDA, emphasized that the funds directed towards migrants represent only a fraction of the $4.3 billion Governor Hochul has allocated to address the migrant situation amidst a lack of new federal support.
He stated, “At the request of New York City, OTDA made a technical update to allow a small percentage of migrants to receive certain additional support in compliance with state and federal law.”
The SNA program, akin to welfare, traditionally aids New Yorkers who don’t qualify for standard public assistance, providing financial aid for essential expenses such as rent, utilities, and clothing.
This alteration is part of a series of measures aimed at welcoming migrants, including a $53 million initiative by Mayor Eric Adams offering prepaid credit cards for migrant families to buy food and baby items.
However, this move has attracted criticism from various quarters.
Representative Nicole Malliotakis condemned the policy, arguing it draws migrants to New York while financially burdening the state’s lower and middle-class residents.
She remarked, “It’s horrible that Governor Hochul found another way to attract migrants,” highlighting the strain on taxpayers.
Councilman Robert Holden echoed these sentiments, calling for an end to excessive generosity towards migrants.
Holden remarked, “The endless handouts to the entire world are a slap in the face to every citizen who has contributed to and sacrificed for this country.”
He added, “It’s time to end this madness.”
Amidst these developments, New York City grapples with a burgeoning migrant population and associated costs, with Mayor Adams seeking an additional $1.6 billion in aid from Governor Hochul.
Last year, the city extended cash assistance to over 720,500 residents, marking the highest welfare enrollment levels since 2000.
